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Endoscope Coupler

a technology of endoscope and coupler, which is applied in the field of endoscope coupler, can solve the problems of destroying the clarity of the image passing through, affecting the operation efficiency of the endoscope, and the endoscope must be extremely rugged, so as to improve the coupling mechanism and simplify the construction of the coupler

Active Publication Date: 2015-04-23
ACCESS OPTICS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an improved endocoupler that is easier to use, manufacture, and maintain. It has a simplified design that reduces the number of parts and allows for direct engagement between the focus ring and lens cell to move the image without rotating the lens cell. Additionally, the endocoupler has an improved coupling mechanism that connects the base to the endoscope with minimal movement of parts. This is achieved by the use of a split focus ring, further simplifying the construction of the coupler.

Problems solved by technology

If moisture penetrates the lens assembly it ruins the clarity of the image passing through it.
Thus the endocoupler must be extremely rugged.
Prior art endocouplers have relied on complex construction to provide the needed water tight and rugged device.
However such mechanisms are expensive to manufacture and susceptible to wear and tear.
Further the optical train in these devices is not replaceable.
These windows do not provide any magnification of the image.
This adds additional cost to the optical train.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

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[0023]Turning now to the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like or similar parts throughout, FIG. 1 shows how the coupler would be used, FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the endocoupler 20. Details of the construction of the various parts making up the endocoupler may be better illustrated in the other Figures. The endocoupler 20 has a first end or camera mount 22 which secures to a camera 24 by various means known in the art and a second end or base 26 which secures to an endoscope 88. The endocoupler 20 has a focus mechanism 28 which allows the user to focus and / or zoom the image from the endoscope 88 before it is captured and transmitted by the camera 24.

[0024]The focus mechanism 28 has a focus ring 30, lens cell 32, and lens cartridge 34. The focus ring 30 is generally annular in shape and is constructed from a first and second half 36 and 38, each having complementary parts that when assembled form a singular annular ring. The focus ring 30 has a groove...

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Abstract

An endoscope coupler with a split focus ring having direct engagement between the focus ring and the lens cell. The endoscope coupler may also have a changeable lens cartridge which can be replaced when moisture penetrates and ruins a the previous lens cartridge. Additional features may include branding security key which prevents use of replacement parts from third parties.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to an endocoupler. More particularly, the present invention relates to coupler to join a camera to an endoscope.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Endoscopes are commonly used in medical procedures. They provide a surgeon with a view of internal organs, muscle, tendons and other tissue and allow the surgeon to perform various medical procedures with minimum intrusion and scarring.[0003]An endoscope coupler or endocoupler is used to optically and physically connect an endoscope to a camera. The camera can be used to capture the image on the endoscope and transmit it for viewing on a screen and / or record the procedure. This provides a larger and easier viewed image for the surgeon during the procedure.[0004]During the procedure the endocoupler is in close proximity to the entry point of the endoscope into the patient's body. This means the endocoupler must be sterile for safe use. Sterilization can be accomplished by ru...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61B1/00A61B1/04
CPCA61B1/00121A61B1/00188A61B1/042A61B1/0011A61B1/00126
Inventor HOGREFE, ROBERT H.MAYER, THOMASHANNAM, JOHN
Owner ACCESS OPTICS
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